Kauai Private Sportfishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6hour offshore fishing charter targeting Mahi Mahi and MarlinSpacious 35foot Bertram vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyAfternoon departure from Lihue explores Kauai's productive fishing grounds
When you want serious fishing action without the crowds, this 6-hour private charter aboard our 35-foot Bertram delivers everything you're looking for. Departing at noon from Lihue, you'll have the entire boat to yourself and up to five friends – no sharing space with strangers or waiting your turn at the rod. The afternoon departure timing puts you right in the sweet spot when big game fish are most active, and the Hawaiian sun isn't beating down as hard. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, running to productive offshore grounds where blue marlin, mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and striped marlin cruise the deep blue. The Bertram's classic design gives everyone plenty of room to move around, and her reliable performance means we spend more time fishing and less time dealing with mechanical issues.
Your charter starts with a smooth ride out to the fishing grounds, usually 15-30 minutes depending on where the fish are biting. The beauty of a private trip means we can adjust the plan based on what you want – whether that's chasing marlin in the deep water or working the ledges for mahi and wahoo. The boat's spacious cockpit gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and there's plenty of shade when you need a break from the sun. We'll have multiple lines in the water most of the time, so there's always potential for doubles or even triples when we hit a school of fish. The captain will rotate everyone through the fighting chairs, making sure each angler gets their shot at the big ones. Between strikes, you'll soak up those famous Kauai views – the dramatic Na Pali coastline, green mountains dropping into crystal clear water, and maybe some spinner dolphins or humpback whales if you're lucky.
We run a spread of four to six lures at different distances and depths, covering water efficiently as we cruise at 6-8 knots. The outriggers keep the lines separated and create that enticing wake action that triggers strikes from predators. Our lure selection includes proven producers like cedar plugs, jet heads, and skirted ballyhoo – all rigged fresh each morning. When we mark fish on the sonar or see birds working, we might switch to live bait or try different presentations. The fighting chairs are equipped with quality harnesses and gimbal belts, essential when you're battling a 200-pound marlin that wants to take you into your backing. We carry both conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test and spinning gear for lighter action. The boat's tuna tower gives the captain excellent visibility to spot feeding birds, color changes in the water, or that telltale marlin bill cutting the surface.
Blue marlin are the crown jewel of Hawaiian sportfishing, and Kauai's waters hold some serious fish. These apex predators average 150-300 pounds here, though 400-500 pounders show up regularly. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, but we see them year-round. When a blue marlin eats your lure, there's nothing subtle about it – they'll often jump immediately, showing off that spectacular bill and cobalt-blue coloring. The fight can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the fish's size and attitude. What makes them special is their raw power and aerial displays – they'll tailwalk, greyhound across the surface, and sound deep, testing your endurance and the tackle.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are every angler's favorite because they're beautiful, fight hard, and taste amazing. These golden-green speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with occasional bulls pushing 40-50 pounds. They're most abundant from spring through fall, often traveling in schools under floating debris or sargassum lines. Mahi are aggressive feeders that will hit trolled lures, live bait, or even bare hooks. Once hooked, they put on an aerial show with spectacular jumps and long runs. The bonus with mahi is that where you find one, you'll usually find more, so we'll often stop and cast to the school after landing the first fish.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line off your reel faster than you can blink. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds around Kauai, with occasional giants over 60 pounds. They're year-round residents but seem most active during the cooler months. Wahoo typically hit hard and fast, often cutting themselves off with their razor-sharp teeth before you know what happened. When you do connect solidly, they make blistering runs that will test your drag and your nerves. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Yellowfin tuna are pure muscle wrapped in a sleek, hydrodynamic package. Our local fish typically range from 40-100 pounds, though 200-pounders aren't unheard of. They're strongest during the summer and fall months, often found around underwater seamounts and drop-offs. Yellowfin are notorious for their stamina – they'll make powerful runs toward the bottom, then fight you all the way back up. Their dark red meat and high oil content make them prized for sashimi and poke. These fish often travel in schools, so multiple hookups are common when you find them.
Striped marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but no less exciting to catch. Averaging 80-150 pounds, they're acrobatic fighters that will jump repeatedly and make fast runs. They're most common during the winter months, often found in slightly shallower water than blue marlin. Striped marlin are known for their cooperative nature – they'll often swim right up to the boat after eating a lure, giving everyone a good look at
Step aboard our classic 35-foot Bertram Cruiser and get ready to chase big game fish in Kauai's legendary offshore waters. This 1976 beauty has been working these fishing grounds for decades, powered by twin 190hp Isuzu engines that'll get you to the hot spots where Mahi Mahi and Marlin are feeding. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. Our fish finder will help us locate schools while the GPS keeps us on productive reefs and drop-offs. When nature calls, there's an onboard head so you don't miss any of the action. At 10 knots, she's not the fastest boat on the water, but this stable platform gives you the steady footing you need when battling a screaming reel. The Bertram's deep-V hull cuts through swells like butter, keeping everyone comfortable during the full 6-hour charter. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this reliable workhorse will put you on fish in some of Hawaii's most productive waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate big game fish around Kauai. These giants average 200-400 pounds, with females growing much larger than males - we've seen them over 1000 pounds. They cruise the deep blue water beyond the drop-off, usually 1000+ feet deep where the warm currents flow. Peak season runs May through September when water temps are warmest. What makes them special? That first jump when they're hooked - pure power and acrobatics that'll get your heart racing. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. My tip: when trolling, keep your lures skipping on the surface and watch for that signature blue shadow rising from below. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to jump.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are our bread and butter fish here off Kauai - colorful, tasty, and always put up a great fight. These beauties average 15-30 pounds and grow fast, living only about 4 years. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and FADs in 100-1000 feet of water. They're here year-round but peak from April through October. What guests love most is watching their amazing color changes when brought to the boat - gold, green, and electric blue. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm white meat. The whole family can target these since they're not too big for kids to handle. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water while you get more lines out - where there's one mahi, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world - smaller than blues but twice as active when hooked. They average 100-200 pounds with distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. These beauties prefer the upper water column around 100-600 feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Best action runs from November through April when they migrate through Hawaiian waters. Guests love them because they're more manageable than giant blue marlin but still deliver spectacular jumps and long runs. The meat's excellent too - firm and flavorful like swordfish. Here's my tip: watch for them "tailing" on calm days when you can see their dorsal fins cutting the surface. Pitch a live bait ahead of their path and hold on tight.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons - hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. We call them "ono" here, meaning delicious, and they live up to the name with white, flaky meat perfect for fish tacos. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+. They patrol the deep blue water from 200-2000 feet, often around drop-offs and seamounts. Best fishing is May through October when they're most active in our waters. What makes them special is that first screaming run - pure adrenaline. They're loners mostly, so catching one is always a thrill. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in seconds. When one hits, hang on tight!
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of our deep water fishing - strong, fast, and absolutely delicious. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 40-80 pounds around Kauai, though we see some pushing 200+. They roam the open ocean from 100-300 feet down, following baitfish and warm currents. Year-round fishing here, but they're most active during summer months. What guests love is their pure power - no jumping, just bulldogging deep runs that test your arms and gear. The sashimi-grade meat makes them incredibly valuable too. They school up, so finding one often means finding many. My advice: when marking fish deep but nothing's biting topwater, drop down a vertical jig. These guys can't resist the flutter of a wounded baitfish.
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